The Bottom Line
Pros
- The subject matter is 110% on the money. Todd asks the questions we all wish we could put into words
- Agnew stretches his style wings a little more, incorporating country licks and blues into the mix
Cons
- The Prelude & first cut sound like Todd's straining, going lower in range than he's comfortable with
Description
- Style: Rock with a touch of blues
- 16 songs
- Released: July, 2007
Guide Review - Todd Agnew - 'Better Questions'
When I popped Better Questions into my computer and heard the Prelude and "Still Has A Hold," I was caught way off guard. The vocal range was so low that it sounded like Todd was really straining. I was so turned off that, had it been anyone but Todd Agnew, I would have stopped the CD right then and there. But since it was Todd, and his music has always had a special place in my heart, I kept going. I'm glad I did because track 3, "Least of These," made up for the first 2 in spades. The fast-paced, edgy tune was even rockier than the usual Todd fare and I fell in love!Moving forward to track 6, "Lovers in Our Heads," brought me to another favorite.
- Are we more concerned with the fruit of another
Never noticing our own barren branches?
Are we more consumed with casting stones at each other
While ignoring the lovers in our beds?
Our own beds in our heads
I have met so many people in my walk that should have that verse tattoed somewhere. It definitely hit a nerve.
"Don't Say A Word" was the 2 in the 1-2 punch.
- So before you spout out your most recent thoughts
Just remember who you’re speaking for Or don’t say anything at all
All I could think was "Ouch!"
Other highlights for me were "War Inside," and "On A Corner in Memphis" with "War Inside" pretty much being a theme song for me, my husband, and just about every other person I've ever met. Even the strongest Christians seem to constantly battle who they are with who they want to be.
Todd Agnew isn't for the feint of heart. The questions asked in Better Questions don't have nice, tidy answers at the end. They aren't presented in a "12 steps to living life like you should" format. Todd Agnew will make you think. He'll ask you to really examine your own life and walk and to do something about the parts you find lacking. It won't be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.
